Benitez easy on Aquilani return

LIVERPOOL will not rush Alberto Aquilani after his first taste of action since his £20million move from Roma.

Italian midfielder Aquilani played the last 15 minutes for the reserves in their win over Sunderland on Wednesday. He has been out since sustaining a serious ankle injury in March and underwent surgery in May.

Benitez admitted he expected Aquilani to be fit in a month when he signed him in the summer and said he still does not know when Aquilani will be ready to play.

“We talk about the problems players have settling down because the Premier League is very quick and more physical. So for a new player who has been injured it will be even more difficult,” said Benitez.

“It is a question of keeping him training. We will have to choose the right moments to put him on the pitch. But he is learning all the time and we are looking forward to playing him.

“But our fans know sometimes that a player needs time to settle down. When will he play? It depends on his condition.”

Aquilani, 25, said: “I am so happy because I haven’t played for a long time. It was only 15 minutes but it was very important. Training is OK but to play a game is better. I hope I will play at Anfield very soon, but it’s important my fitness is right. I’m here for five years and when I start playing I don’t want to stop.”